Cranon Worford completed her rise to the top of international powerlifting by winning the women’s 76kg division at the 2026 IPF World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships in Druskininkai, Lithuania.
The American lifter produced a dominant performance across all three disciplines, totaling 625.5kg from a 238kg squat, 132.5kg bench press, and 255kg deadlift. The victory secured her first IPF World Championship title and added another milestone to an already historic career.
Worford entered the competition as one of the favorites after several years of steady progress on the world stage. After winning bronze in 2024 and silver in 2025, she finally stood atop the podium in 2026.
World Record Squat Sets the Tone
The competition began with an outstanding performance in the squat.
Worford opened with 217.5kg before successfully completing 230kg on her second attempt. With momentum on her side, she loaded 238kg for her final lift.
The attempt moved smoothly and earned three white lights, giving her a new World Open Squat Record and an early lead in one of the deepest weight classes in the sport.
The achievement represented a major leap forward from her previous World Championships performance. During the Powerlifting World YouTube broadcast, the commentators highlighted her rapid progression, noting:
“Last year’s Worlds, she left with 222.5. This year’s Worlds, attempting to leave with 238 in the world record. Year over year her progress has been staggering.”
The successful lift immediately established Worford as the athlete to beat.
Building Momentum on the Bench Press
Worford continued her strong day during the bench press portion of the competition.
She opened at 120kg before successfully pressing 127.5kg. On her final attempt, she completed 132.5kg to add another five kilograms to her total and further strengthen her position atop the leaderboard.
By the conclusion of the bench press, Worford had built a substantial advantage over her nearest rivals and entered the deadlift session firmly in control of the competition.
Securing Gold with a Massive Deadlift
The final event brought more of the same consistency. Worford opened at 225kg before making a successful jump to 245kg on her second attempt.
With the world title within reach, she called for 255kg on her final pull. The lift required a fight near lockout, but she completed it successfully to finish with a 625.5kg total. The performance placed her just three kilograms below the current world record total while securing the biggest victory of her career.
As the final lift was completed, the Powerlifting World commentators summed up the moment perfectly: “625.5 total, three kilos off the world record total, a huge final pull for Cranon Worford and does her job to take that world title.”
A Historic Achievement
At just 75.7kg bodyweight, she produced one of the standout performances of the entire championship and established herself as the new world champion in one of powerlifting’s most competitive categories.
With a world record squat, a 625.5kg total, and her first gold medal on the biggest stage in the sport, Worford’s breakthrough moment has officially arrived.
About the Author
Jeremiah Oliva
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer passionate about fitness, sports, and active living. He has experience in songwriting and managing content and social media for online radio and magazine platforms.
He covers HYROX, CrossFit®, and competitive fitness, with a focus on performance, mindset, and athlete development.
Outside of writing, Jeremiah trains in boxing, cycles, explores the outdoors with his kids, and plays the guitar.
